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Simutech Project

IIT Kanpur

Mentors:

  1. Samanvay Lakhotia
  2. Raju Singh

Distillation Column Design

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Project Description

  • Optimize a Continuous Distillation Column for binary mixture in Python/MATLAB.

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  • Delineate a binary distillation column in Python/MATLAB, employ the McCabe Thiele process to probe & draw conclusions from the process.

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  • Learn about Azeotropic mixtures.

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  • Automate the Inspection pipelines to calculate the minimum & actual number of stages required to achieve the desired separation along with the Minimum Reflux Ratio using Graph-based Visualizations.

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  • Simulating a distillation column design using simulation tools like DWSIM or Aspen.

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  • Softwares : Python/MATLAB, DWSIM/Aspen.

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Note: Aspen is the software much more widely used in the industry. However, it doesn’t run very well on our laptops due to it’s huge size. We’ll proceed with Aspen on CC/NCL computers if the students part of the project are on campus. Otherwise, DWSIM shall be used.

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Separation of Azeotropic Mixture by Distillation

  • We will simulate to separate the azeotropic mixtures using a distillation method using DWSIM / Aspen softwares.

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  • Distillation is used to separate different components based on their boiling points and relative volatility.

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  • Conventional Distillation fails to solve the problem in the case of azeotropes. Hence, the need to use specific processes for azeotropic separation.

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Separation techniques Involved

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  • Extractive Distillation

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  • Pressure Swing Distillation

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  • Azeotropic Distillation

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We will implement something like this in DWSIM/Aspen.

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Other details

  • Software used: Python/MATLAB, DWSIM/Aspen.

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  • Preferences: Y20 (Note: The project is only for CHE students).

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  • Pre-requisites: None. Please have enthu towards the project. You’ll need to dedicate some time towards it throughout the semester, and hence only take it up if you know that you can handle it along with your academics.

Contact for any queries: rajusing@iitk.ac.in , samanvay@iitk.ac.in